If you are looking for a unique place to stay in the UK then you’ve come to the right place! Nestled amongst the boats and moorings of Mercury Yacht Harbour on the River Hamble, near Southampton are three floating marine lodges. This gorgeous floating accommodation is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There is nothing else to do except relax and unwind. Overlooking Badnam Creek, it’s such a peaceful spot.
My husband, Matt booked this dreamy staycation as a surprise for my 40th Birthday, and what an incredible surprise it was. We spent 2 nights at this waterside retreat and loved every peaceful moment.
If you love the water and a tranquil location then this is for you. Park up in the yacht harbour carpark and check in for a stay like no other.
Location:
Overlooking Badnam Creek within Mercury Yacht Harbour on the River Hamble this unusual place to stay is nestled between Southampton and Portsmouth. Hamble train station is just over a mile away and Southampton Airport is a 15 minute drive.
Manor Farm, River Hamble Country Park and Paultons Park are all nearby too. The location lends itself perfectly if you are looking to get out and about and explore the local area. Or do like we did, park up leave your car and the land behind for a few days. The only mode of transport we used from our water based home was our paddle boards. We had the best adventures exploring the waterways and a short paddle up river gets you to the Jolly Sailor Pub. It was such a novelty to arrive at the pub via paddle board. There is a poontoon with storage for small watercraft and it’s connected right to the pub. Lunch and a gin and tonic followed by a slow paddle back to our marine lodge was the most wonderful birthday treat.
Find it: Mecury Yacht Harbour, Satchall Lane, Hamble, Southampton, SO31 4HQ (023) 8045 5994
Included in the floating lodge:
We stayed in Heron which is the furthest of the three floating lodges along the pontoon. I would recommend booking this one as the added bonus of being on the end means uninterrupted views across the river and a bit of extra privacy. But any of the lodges would be perfect.
The three floating lodges each have a private decked area with table and chairs. Inside is a kitchenette with everything needed to self-cater, a dining table, double bed, sofa bed, bathroom, and views to die for! The kitchenette had everything required to self-cater, including a small hob, toaster, microwave, kettle and fridge. If you prefer, the Gaff Rigger Restaurant and bar on site is a brilliant option for dining with more gorgeous views. Or order food and take it back to your tranquil retreat like we did. The food by the way is delicious. I had half a lobster on my birthday night with fries and it was everything!
Book directly through MDL Holidays. Check in is from 4pm at the marina office and check out on the day of departure is 10am.
Things to do:
The slow pace of this tranquil location allows you to do as much or as little as you like. Read a book on the decking, Take a barefoot stroll along the pontoons in the early evening admiring the yachts as you go or if watersports are your thing jump in a paddle board kayak and explore the River Hamble.
We took our own paddle boards and launched from the pontoon next to the lodges. After parking up in the marina carpark we did no driving during our two day stay. Our only mode of transport was our paddle boards. We loved exploring the river and ventured up river and under the M27. Our aim was to grab a drink from Floaters Cafe, which is only accessible via the water but it was closed so we headed back to the Jolly Sailor Pub instead so be sure to check the opening hours first if you plan to head there.
If you are looking to get out and about by car, the floating lodges are in a great spot for local attractions. Southampton is great for shopping, Westquay shopping centre is a 20 minute drive away. It’s a 30 minute drive to the New Forest for long walks, pony spotting and historic villages and Paultons Park is nearby if you are staying with family. There as are some great country parks for plenty more outdoor adventures in the local area too.
If you are looking for something a little bit different then this dreamy floating lodge on the River Hamble in Southampton is it….
